Exercise guide
Oblique V-Up On Floor
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Waist
This unilateral core exercise isolates the obliques and hip flexors by combining a side crunch with a leg lift, creating a powerful lateral contraction. It effectively builds rotational strength and carves out the waistline using only body weight.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Lie on your side with your legs straight and stacked, then roll slightly back onto your bottom glute for stability.
- Extend your bottom arm out on the floor in front of you at a 45-degree angle for balance.
- Place your top hand lightly behind your head or on your temple.
How to do it
- Exhale as you simultaneously lift your legs and your upper torso off the floor, bringing your top elbow toward your knees.
- Squeeze your obliques hard at the top of the movement, forming a 'V' shape with your body.
- Inhale as you slowly lower your legs and torso back to the starting position with a 2-second eccentric, stopping just before your feet touch the ground.
- Complete the full set on one side before switching to the other.
Form checklist
- Keep your legs squeezed together and as straight as possible throughout the entire set.
- Avoid pulling on your neck; use your core strength to lift your upper body.
- Use your bottom arm only for balance, not to push yourself up off the floor.
- Ensure you are pivoting on the fleshy part of your glute rather than the hip bone.
Pro tips
- Focus on the mind-muscle connection by visualizing your ribcage moving toward your hip bone to maximize oblique shortening.
- Pause for one second at the peak of the contraction to increase time under tension.
Make it harder
- Perform the movement with your bottom arm lifted off the floor to remove all stability assistance.
- Hold a light medicine ball or dumbbell between your feet to increase the load on the hip flexors and lower obliques.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the oblique v-up on floor work?
- The oblique v-up on floor primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the serratus anterior and trapezius as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the oblique v-up on floor?
- The oblique v-up on floor requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the oblique v-up on floor good for beginners?
- The oblique v-up on floor is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.